Lighting fixture diffuser assembly

ABSTRACT

The lighting fixture diffuser assembly includes a circular support member having an adhesive backing and an opposite face formed of magnetic material. The support member is concentrically perforated to provide rings in graduated diameters. The rings are selectively removed to provide an opening of predetermined diameter through the support member as to locate and align the latter about light fixtures of various diameters. The support member is adhesively secured to the wall or ceiling surface about and independently of the light fixture. A diffuser carrying an inwardly directed flange adjacent its open end and mounting a plurality of magnets on the flange is applied about the support member so that the diffuser is magnetically secured to the support member. In another form, the magnetic material is provided on the diffuser flange with the magnets being secured to the support member.

United States Patent 3,593,021

[72] Inventor Seymour Auerbach 3.247.369 5/!966 Nanny. 1. 240/! 28 X II lin S Chev! Chm. M 20015 3.355.583 11/1967 Sellerraad et al. 240/128 l P No 734996 Primary Examiner- Samuel S Matthews [22] Filed June 1968 Assistant Examiner-Richard I. Moses [45] Patented July l3 l97l A L B &Sh

Contlnuatlon'ln-part 0! application Ser. No. am: 568,236. July 27. 1966, now Patent No. ABSTRACT: The lighting fixture diffuser assembly includes a circular support member having an adhesive backing and an opposite face formed of magnetic material. The support member is concentrically perforated to provide rings in gradu- [541 GE-"NC FIXTURE DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY ated diameters. The ringsare selectively removed to provide an o ntng of prcdetermtned diameter throu h the su on 15 Claims. 6 Drawing Figs. 3 Pp member as to locate and align the latter about light fixtures of [$2] zollzav various diameters The support member is adhesively secured 240/78 240/53 to the wall or ceiling surface about and independently of the [Sll lrtt. Cl. .1 FZlv 17/06 h f n A diffuser carrying an inwardly directed flange new 240/ adjacent its open end and mounting a plurality of magnets on 125 the flange is applied about the support member so that the diffuser is magnetically secured to the support member. In {56] Rehmcucm another form. the magnetic material is provided on the dif- UNITFD STATES PATENTS fuser flan e with the magnets being secured to the support 2147482 2/l939 B l "40/ 28 be a ut l mem r1 PATENTED JUL 1 31971 llllll SEYMOUR AUERBACH LIGHTING FIXTURE DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Ser. No. 568,236 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,388,248 filed July 27, 1966.

The present invention relates to lighting fixtures and particularly relates to an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly of the type wherein a diffuser is releasably secured to a wall or ceiling surface about and independently of a light fixture.

Conventional light fixtures are usually permanently mounted to a wall or ceiling surface and the diffusers therefore are normally removably secured directly to the fixture. Individuals wishing to remodel or renovate their homes, apartments or the like, and desiring to replace an outmoded, outdated, and usually unfashionable diffuser provided years previously with a new and more aesthetically pleasing diffuser, must currently either replace the entire light fixture or attempt to fix a new diffuser to the old fixture (my above-identified copending application excepted). Practically speaking, new diffusers are not manufactured or readily adaptable for connection to older light fixtures, such as the commonplace white ceramic fixture, and are generally incompatible therewith. As a result, the entire fixture must usually be replaced. This entails rewiring as well as refinishing the wall surface surrounding the fixture which is often disrupted when rewiring and replacing the old fixture with the new fixture, all of which tends to incr ase the difficulty and cost of replacing an older diffuser or providing a diffuser where there previously was none. Moreover, it is virtually impossible to adapt a new diffuser to an old fixture in a manner which would completely hide the old fixture from view, even apart from the above noted problems of securing the new diffuser to the old fixture. Thus, aesthetic as well as practical considerations play an important part in the provision ofa new diffuser.

Apart from the foregoing, the quick and ready disassembly of the diffuser from about the light fixture for the purpose of replacing burned-out bulbs, cleaning the diffuser, etc., and its rapid reattachment to the lighting fixture are also critical considerations as well as desirable features. Conventional diffusers are often secured directly to the light fixtures by three or more screws which thread through a portion of the fixture and engage a rim on the diffuser. This manner of attachment is somewhat awkward and cumbersome and there is always the possibility of dropping the diffuser while manipulating the diffuser and simultaneously threading the screws into supporting engagement therewith. Additionally, these conventional methods usually do not permit the diffuser to completely encompass and surround the light fixture and hide it from view whereby the aesthetic qualities of the lighting fixture assembly are somewhat limited and diminished in this respect.

in my above-identified copending application, there is disclosed a support ring which is attachable to the wall or ceiling surface about the light fixture and which mounts a pair of button-type fasteners. At least three radially inwardly directed fingers having suitable indicia thereon are provided for the purpose of centering the support ring about light fixtures of various diameters. A diffuser is provided having an inwardly directed flange carrying a plurality of keyslots whereby the diffuser is located such that the button fasteners enter the keyslots. Rotation of the diffuser thus releasably secures the latter to the support ring. The diffuser is formed to hide the support ring from view. While this has proven an eminently satisfactory type of lighting fixture assembly and has solved many of the foregoing problems, the present invention features a diffuser support member having improved centering means and an improved method of attachment between the support member and the diffuser.

The present invention provides an adhesive-backed support member having magnetic material on its opposite face. The support member is preferably circular and is concentrically perforated to provide rings in graduated diameters, which rings may carry indicia thereon designating their respective diameters. To center the support member about alight fixture of known diameter, the concentric rings inwardly of the ring defining the known diameter or a slightly larger diameter are punched out and, in this manner, the support member may be placed about the light fixture with the assurance that it is cen tered with respect thereto. To secure the support member to the wall or ceiling surface about the light fixture, release paper is removed from the adhesive backing on the support member and the support member is then pressed against the surface in coaxial relation about the light fixture with the latter being exposed through the central opening of the support member left by the punched-out rings thereof.

It is another feature hereof that the diffuser can be rapidly secured to and removed from the support member. To this end, the diffuser is provided with an inwardly directed flange which mounts a plurality of magnets. The diffuser is fastened to the support member by placing the open end of the diffuser about the light fixture and bulb such that the magnets bear against the face of the support member which carries magnetic material whereby the support member and diffuser are magnetically coupled one to the other. Thus, the present diffuser is readily and efficiently attachable to and detachable from the support member simply by locating the diffuser in juxtaposition to the support member. Also, an annular lip is formed about the open end of the diffuser outwardly of the flange and, when the diffuser is attached to the support member, the lip extends about the periphery of the support member to block it from view. Thus, the aesthetic characteristics ofthe lighting assembly are considerably enhanced.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly providing a sup port member which is independently attachable to the wall or ceiling surface about a light fixture and a diffuser which is readily and easily secured to the support member.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a lighting fixture diffuser assembly having a support member attachable to the wall or ceiling surface about a light fixture and wherein the diffuser therefor is magnetically coupled to the support member.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly including a diffuser support member formed to readily facilitate centering of the support member and hence the diffuser about a light fixture.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly having the foregoing characteristics wherein the support member provides a reflective surface for reflecting light through the diffuser.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture diffuser assembly wherein the diffuser is magnetically attached to a support member secured to a wall or ceiling surface about a lighting fixture in a manner to virtually block the support member and light fixture from view and wherein the support member and diffuser have cooperat ing portions to guide the diffuser into aligned relation with the support member.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, drawings and appended claims wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting fixture diffuser assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating the support member and diffuser thereof:

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the support member taken about on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support member with the release paper thereof being partially removed and with the centering rings punched out;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting fixture diffuser assembly hereof illustrated with the support member secured to a wall or ceiling surface and with the diffuser in detached position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view of portions ofthe diffuser and support member shown in an attached position; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged crosssectional view of another form of attachment between the diffuser and support member and illustrating the diffuser in a detached position.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a support member and a diffuser generally indicated at 10 and [2 respectively. Support member 10 preferably comprises a flat circular disc formed of a sheet material which, as seen in FIG. 2, may include an adhesive backing 16 covered by release paper 18, an intermediate stiffening or filler material 20, and an outer face 22 ofa magnetic material for purposes as will presently become clear. The magnetic material is also preferably reflective to provide additional light through the diffuser 12 when the latter is secured thereto. A plurality of concentric perforations 24 are coaxially formed through support member 10 to provide a series of rings 26 in graduated diameters. In this manner, a selected number of rings 26 as well as a central portion 28 of the support member may be readily removed or punched out as to leave a central opening 28 (FIG. 3) of predetermined diameter through which is received a light fixture F (FIG. 4). Suitable indicia, not shown, may be provided on each of rings 26 to indicate the diameter thereof.

Diffuser 12 includes a generally cylindrical body portion 30 having a closed or open lower end 32 as desired and an open upper end 33. Diffuser [2 may be formed of any translucent material and by any conventional technique such as injection molding, thermal forming and blow molding. Diffuser 12 has an inwardly directed flange 34 spaced slightly inwardly of the open end 33 and defines, with the body portion of the diffuser, a lip 36 about the open end thereof. A plurality of magnets 38 are suitably secured on and are equally spaced about the upper faces of flange 34 with the upper faces of magnets 38 being spaced back from the edge oflip 36.

To employ the lighting fixture diffuser assembly hereof, the diameter of the existing or new light fixture, for example fixture F, is measured. The central portion 28 of support member 10 together with the ring or rings 26 thereof which have a diameter equal to or a slightly greater than the measured diameter are punched out leaving a central opening 28 in member 10 as best seen in FIG. 3. The opening 28 will thus be at least as large and preferably slightly larger than the base of the light fixture. Release paper 18 can then be peeled from the adhesive backed surface 16 and support member 10 can be placed about the light fixture and pressed toward the adjacent wall or ceiling surface to adhesively secure the member to the surface with the assurance that the support member will be centered about and lie in coaxial relation with the light fixture. It will thus be seen that by providing rings 26 in graduated diameters, selected rings thereof can be removed to form an opening 28 of selected diameter whereby the support member can be readily centered about light fixtures of various diameters. It will, of course, be appreciated that, while an adhesive securement is preferred, other types of securement, such as screws, nails, etc. can be employed to attach the member 10 to the wall or ceiling surface.

With the support member 10 thus fixed to the surface, diffuser 12 can then be attached to member 10. Since the diameter ofthe support member 10 is slightly less than the diameter of the open end of diffuser [2, the diffuser can be centered about support member [0 with the lip 36 and periphery of member 10 cooperating to locate diffuser l2 coaxially oflight fixture F and support member [0. When the diffuser is thus positioned, the magnets 38 cooperate with the lower surface 22 of member 10 to magnetically couple the diffuser 12 to member 10. As seen in FIG. 5, lip 36 extends about the outer edge of support member 10 and blocks it from view, there being only a very slight space between the edge of lip 36 and the wall or ceiling surface when the diffuser is secured to the support member.

Another form of the lighting fixture diffuser assembly hereof is illustrated in FIG. 6. The support member 10a in this form is similar to the support member 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 but is not provided with a lower surface carrying magnetic material. Member may comprise a plastic foam 20a having an adhesive backing 16a. A plurality of magnets 380 are suitably secured to and symmetrically arranged about the uridersurface of support member 10a. A diffuser 12a similar to diffuser 12 of the previous form is provided and an annular ring 40, formed of a magnetic material, is suitably secured on the upper surface of its flange 34a. The manner of applying the diffuser [2a to the support member 10a is identical with that of the previous form and requires no further description. When the diffuser 12a is secured to the support member 10a, it will be noted that lip 36a surrounds support member If] such that it is hidden from view.

It will be appreciated that, in both forms of the present invention, the open end of the diffuser can be located in juxtaposition with the support member with the magnets providing an attraction therebetween such that the diffuser can be shifted laterally to locate the lip 36 in concentric relation about the periphery of the support member. In this manner, the diffuser can be readily centered with respect to the support member.

[1 is thus apparent that the objects of the present invention have been fully accomplished in that there is provided a lighting fixture diffuser assembly wherein the diffuser can be readily and easily centered about an existing or new light fixture and secured to the surrounding wall or ceiling surface independently of the light fixture. Moreover, the present invention provides a unique diffuser-support coupling in the form of a plurality of magnets whereby the usual awkwardness and laboriousness of securing a conventional diffuser directly to a light fixture is entirely eliminated, the present diffuser being secured to the support member merely by being placed in close juxtaposition thereto. Also, the aesthetic characteristics of the present lighting fixture are vastly improved in that the diffuser is formed and cooperates with the associated support member to block or hide the lighting fixture and its support member from view when completely installed.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What I claim and desire to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

l. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or en veloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a difi'user support member having a plurality of concentrically arranged strips located at predetermined distances from the center of said diffuser support, means for removably attaching said strips to one another and to said diffuser support member whereby selected strips may be removed from said support member to define a central opening therethrough of predetermined size, said diffuser support member being attachable to the flat surface independently of the light fixture with the support member centered perimetrically thereabout, a diffuser and cooperative securement means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relationship about said light fixture.

2. A diffuser assembly according to claim l wherein said diffuser support is circular and said strips are annular.

3. A diffuser assembly according to claim 2 including indicia on said strips for indicating the various diameters thereof.

4. A diffuser assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cooperative securement means includes means for magnetically coupling said diffuser to said diffuser support member.

5. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced perimetrical relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser. and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said diffuser support member projecting outwardly of the flat surface, said diffuser having a portion extending externally about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially surrounds said support member and blocks the latter from view exteriorally of the diffuser assembly.

6. A light fixture assembly comprising a light fixture mounted on a flat surface and projecting outwardly from said surface, a light source carried by said light fixture, a diffuser support member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the flat surface perimetrically about and independently of the said lighting fixture, said support member lying wholly between the surface and a plane extending in spaced parallel relation to the surface and through the outer extremity of said light fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on said diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in surrounding or enveloping relation about said light fixture.

7. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein the face of said diffuser support member on the side thereof 0pposite the surface to which said support member is attachable comprises a reflective surface.

8. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein said diffuser includes an inwardly directed radial flange and an opening at one end thereof, said flange being spaced back from said opening and carrying a portion of said cooperative securing means, said diffuser having an end portion extending about said opening and the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser support member lies substantially wholly within said difluser with said diffuser substantially blocking said diffuser support member from view.

9. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein said cooperative securement means includes a plurality of magnets spaced about said diffuser support member, said diffuser having a portion thereof carrying magnetic material for cooperation with said magnets to magnetically couple said diffuser to said diffuser support member.

10. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced perimetrical relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said diffuser support member comprising essentially a thin strip of sheet material carrying a portion of said cooperative securement means thereon.

H. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 wherein said strip of sheet material includes an adhesive backed surface and release paper carried on said adhesive backed surface.

12. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 wherein said diffuser has an open end extending externally about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially covers said diffuser support member and blocks the latter from view.

13. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 face of said diffuser support member on the side posite the surface to which said support member comprises a reflective surface.

14. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced pertmetrtcal relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said cooperative securement means including a plurality of magnets perimetrically spaced about said diffuser, said diffuser including an inwardly directed radial flange, said magnets being secured to said flange. said diffuser having an open end, said flange being spaced back from said open end, said diffuser having an end portion extending about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially covers said diffuser support member and blocks the latter from view.

IS. A light fixture assembly comprising a light fixture mounted on a flat surface and projecting outwardly from said surface, a light source carried by said light fixture, a diffuser support member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the flat surface perimetrically about and independently of said lighting fixture, said support member lying wholly between the surface and a plane extending in spaced parallel relation to the surface and through said source of light, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on said diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in surrounding or enveloping relation about said light fixture, said diffuser support member comprising essentially a thin strip of sheet material carrying a portion of said cooperative magnetic securing support means thereon. t

wherein the thereof opis attachable 

1. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support member having a plurality of concentrically arranged strips located at predetermined distances from the center of said diffuser support, means for removably attaching said strips to one another and to said diffuser support member whereby selected strips may be removed from said support member to define a central opening therethrough of predetermined size, said diffuser support member being attachable to the flat surface independently of the light fixture with the support member centered perimetrically thereabout, a diffuser and cooperative securement means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relationship about said light fixture.
 2. A diffuser assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diffuser support is circular and said strips are annular.
 3. A diffuser assembly according to claim 2 including indicia on said strips for indicating the various diameters thereof.
 4. A diffuser assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cooperative securement means includes means for magnetically coupling said diffuser to said diffuser support member.
 5. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced perimetrical relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said diffuser support member projecting outwardly of the flat surface, said diffuser having a portion extending externally about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially surrounds said support member and blocks the latter from view exteriorally of the diffuser assembly.
 6. A light fixture assembly comprising a light fixture mounted on a flat surface and projecting outwardly from said surface, a light source carried by said light fixture, a diffuser support member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the flat surface perimetrically about and independently of the said lighting fixture, said support member lying wholly between the surface and a plane extending in spaced parallel relation to the surface and through the outer extremity of said light fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on said diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in surrounding or enveloping relation about said light fixture.
 7. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein the face of said diffuser support memBer on the side thereof opposite the surface to which said support member is attachable comprises a reflective surface.
 8. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein said diffuser includes an inwardly directed radial flange and an opening at one end thereof, said flange being spaced back from said opening and carrying a portion of said cooperative securing means, said diffuser having an end portion extending about said opening and the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser support member lies substantially wholly within said diffuser with said diffuser substantially blocking said diffuser support member from view.
 9. A light fixture assembly according to claim 6 wherein said cooperative securement means includes a plurality of magnets spaced about said diffuser support member, said diffuser having a portion thereof carrying magnetic material for cooperation with said magnets to magnetically couple said diffuser to said diffuser support member.
 10. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced perimetrical relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said diffuser support member comprising essentially a thin strip of sheet material carrying a portion of said cooperative securement means thereon.
 11. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 wherein said strip of sheet material includes an adhesive backed surface and release paper carried on said adhesive backed surface.
 12. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 wherein said diffuser has an open end extending externally about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially covers said diffuser support member and blocks the latter from view.
 13. A diffuser assembly according to claim 10 wherein the face of said diffuser support member on the side thereof opposite the surface to which said support member is attachable comprises a reflective surface.
 14. A diffuser assembly for perimetrically surrounding or enveloping a light fixture mounted adjacent a flat surface comprising a diffuser support including a member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the surface in spaced perimetrical relation about and independently of the lighting fixture, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on the diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in a surrounding or enveloping relation about the light fixture, said cooperative securement means including a plurality of magnets perimetrically spaced about said diffuser, said diffuser including an inwardly directed radial flange, said magnets being secured to said flange, said diffuser having an open end, said flange being spaced back from said open end, said diffuser having an end portion extending about the perimeter of said diffuser support member whereby said diffuser substantially covers said diffuser support member and blocks the latter from view.
 15. A light fixture assembly comprising a light fixture mounted on a flat surface and projecting outwardly from said surface, a light source carried by said light fixture, a diffuser support member having an opening therethrough and attachable to the flat surface perimetrically about and independently of said lighting fixture, said support member lying wholly between the surface and a plane extending in spaced parallel relation to the surface and through said source of light, a diffuser, and cooperative magnetic securing means on said diffuser support member and diffuser for removably securing the diffuser to the support member in surrounding or enveloping relation about said light fixture, said diffuser support member comprising essentially a thin strip of sheet material carrying a portion of said cooperative magnetic securing support means thereon. 